Pacific Northwest Waterways Association Selects New Executive Director

Heather Stebbings
Heather Stebbings
Heather Stebbings, new executive director for the Pacific Northwest Waterways Association. Images: Pacific Northwest Waterways Association.

A new executive director has taken over the helm of the Pacific Northwest Waterways Association.

Industry veteran Heather Stebbings began in the leadership role on Feb. 15, assuming the position from Kristin Meira, who held the job for a decade. Meira is heading to American Cruise Lines to serve as the company’s director of government affairs, Pacific Northwest.

Stebbings brings 15 years of experience in advocacy and public policy in the Puget Sound, including 13 years as PNWA’s communications and government relations director. She also served as marine services and government liaison for Shaver Transportation.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in applied mathematics from the University of Connecticut and has worked for various area transportation and public policy organizations, including committees with the city of Portland, the Portland Business Alliance and Oregon Business and Industry, the announcement said.

“Heather is a proven, well-rounded leader with deep experience and relationships in our industry, across the Northwest and in Washington, D.C.,” said Washington Grain Commission CEO and PNWA Board President Glen Squires. “We are pleased to welcome her back to the PNWA team and are enthusiastic about her leadership and the continued success of the association.”